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- Android 6.0 or higher based tablets. Windows OS or Apple IOS are not supported because of limited ability for us to program and interface with the devices (limited by Microsoft and Apple). Technically, any brand of tablet that is Android 6.0 or higher will work, but believe us when we tell you that some are going to provide a much better user experience than others. Below are some recommendations on tablets:
- Samsung Galaxy Tab S4S5. Samsung tablets are proven solid performers with a large selection of aftermarket accessories due to their popularity. Generally, the speed, display quality and battery life are very good.
- Samsung Galaxy Tab E (10” versions only). The Tab E 10” has been performing well for some of our customers that have them. They are much less expensive than the Tab S2 S4 or S3 S5 and offer similar performance with our driver’s app. The display quality isn’t as good as the more expensive Samsungs which could be a factor in bright sun and daylight environments especially in some vehicles that get a lot more light through the front windshield (coach vs body on chassis with an overhang over the windshield).
- At this time, we DO NOT recommend purchasing off brand tablets, Verizon Ellipsis tablets have not performed well for our customers that have tried them. Users have reported short battery life, poor screen quality (touch screen, quality and brightness) and have caused much frustration with drivers, supervisors and dispatchers.
- Get a 9.2” to 10.1” screen. Smaller screens sound good when looking at prices and space needed but Demand Response/Paratransit/Dial A Ride drivers need to see more data on their screen than a fixed route driver and the extra screen size makes a big difference in usability and overall experience. Additionally, the smaller screen units often have lower quality resolution, touch sensitivity and brightness leading to a diminished user experience. Although using a single unit for both fixed route and demand response is possible and sounds ideal, it's really not ideal for the demand response role.
- Some cellular providers like to clear out old outdated stock when selling to businesses, so you may have to specifically tell them you want the latest versions – although the older stock can be much less expensive, it may not be update-able for long and may not even be compliant. Saving a few hundred dollars per unit may not pay off if the drivers don’t have a good quality unit to work with. Many cheap units do not perform well, are slower and may need to be replaced earlier.
- Purchase as many as you need for the maximum number of Drivers/vehicles and Supervisors on the road at once plus a few spares. You can always go to the wireless store and walk in get a new one if you need more spares or if you need to replace a non-functioning unit.
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